In the blog last week , we explored a brief overview of our new topic of teaching methods and learning styles. This week we shall examine the model of student-centred learning situating the promotion of this style primarily within the context of the English-speaking cluster of nations. The central aims of student-centred learning Within the English-speaking nations (ESNs), a preference for student-centred learning (SCL) has become an almost unchallengeable pedagogical orienta

In the blog last week , we concluded our series on groups and teams by evaluating the reasons why some people dislike working in any collective context. This week, we begin our journey on the new topic of teaching methods and learning styles with a brief overview of the series. Introduction to the series Across this series, we shall explore a range of teaching methods and learning styles commencing with an evaluation of a broad range of teaching approaches in the blog next we

In the blog last week , we evaluated the ways in which teamworking can help develop improved task and relationship abilities. This week, in the conclusion to this series, we will explore the reasons why some people dislike working in a team context. Reasons why some people dislike teamworking There are multiple reasons that can explain why some people prefer to work more individually rather than in a collaborative setting such as teams. Mediating factors include personality,

In the blog last week , we examined the importance universities place on the development of teamworking skills and attitudes. This week we will explore how working in a team context can significantly enhance both task completion and relationship building abilities. As we have observed over previous weeks while examining the topic of groups and teams, one of the primary reasons why organisations prioritise teamworking is that they constitute the setting for the acquisition of

In the blog last week , we evaluated the issue of team roles based on the Belbin theory. This week we are going to explore why universities in the English-speaking nations prioritise student engagement in a variety of team-based learning challenges. The value of developing teamwork skills From the perspective of the educators, the specific learning outcomes arising from the development of teamworking skills at university are typically expressed as follows: To learn essential

In the blog last week , we examined the challenge of developing matrix team leaders. This week we shall explore the importance of team role behaviour based on the Belbin theory that is widely implemented in numerous organisations in diverse cross-cultural contexts. Understanding the Belbin team model Belbin developed his team role theory based on research at Henley Management Centre in the UK. He identified that successful teams are composed of people with a diverse mix of be

In the blog last week , we explored the key stages in the development of teams. This week we shall examine the most challenging step of training several individuals in the complex skills required to effectively lead a matrix team. According to recent research, for example by Global Integration , a specialist training provider, 90 percent of the FTSE 50 and Fortune 50 companies operate in a matrix structure. This style is structure where teams work across functions and member

In the blog last week , we evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of working in either groups or teams. This week we will explore the key stages in the development of teams. While working effectively in a group requires the constant guidance of competent management, teams need to be developed through a challenging process that is based on five stages. Moreover, experienced trainers are fully aware that the successful transformation from a group to a team style is never gu

In the blog last week , we examined the key differences between groups and teams. This week we shall explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of functioning successfully in both styles. Though requiring different skills, behaviour, and attitudes, working successfully with others in either a group or team context can be equally demanding as well as rewarding. What follows is an introductory overview the primary advantages and disadvantages of both styles. The charac

In the blog last week , we explored an initial introductory overview of some of the key topics that will be addressed during our new theme of groups and teams. This week we shall focus on examining the basic contrast between these two styles of working. Key differences between groups and teams Groups Being a member of a group is frequently defined as a natural human condition in that we are born without our choice into membership of a specific culture, nation, family, clan, c

In the blog last week , we concluded our exploration of some key challenges of re-entry home after an extended sojourn overseas. This week, we will explore an initial introductory overview of the issues to be covered during our new theme of group and team styles. Introduction to the theme of groups and teams While the contrast between groups and teams has been explored for some considerable time, there are still those who use the terms interchangeably. Moreover, others appear

In the blog last week , we explored key areas of personal development arising from the sojourn experience. This week, we will shift the focus to examine enhanced professional development abilities that are immediately applicable, relevant, and valued by employers in the home context. Professional development abilities The experience of successfully completing an extended sojourn overseas inevitably results in a range of enhanced professional abilities that are immediately tra

In the blog last week , we explored a general overview of personal and professional development factors that can be shaped by living overseas for an extended period. This week we will focus on some typical examples of enhanced personal abilities that are relevant and immediately applicable for the returnee in the home context. Examples of sojourn personal development issues The experience of successfully managing an extended sojourn in an unfamiliar cultural environment will

In the blog last week , we evaluated several practical strategies that could help returnee sojourners to minimise re-entry challenges. This week we will begin to explore key areas of personal and professional development acquired while living successfully for an extended period in a host cultural context. Reflecting on personal and professional abilities One of the most significant benefits of living overseas for an extended period is the opportunity to develop a unique and d

In the blog last week , we examined an approach to systematically planning both the exit from the host nation and the return home. This week, we will evaluate several practical strategies that help returnee sojourners minimise typical challenges that can arise during the re-entry adaptation phases. The emotional challenge of the return home Several sojourners have described the initial re-entry into the home context as being a period of grieving. This uncomfortable experience

In the blog last week , we explored the key phases of the re-entry adjustment experience. This week we will review one approach based on...

In the blog last week , we explored a general overview of the re-entry home experience after an extended period of living overseas,...

In the blog last week , we initially defined the concept of reverse or re-entry shock. After this we explored several factors that can...

In the blog last week , we explored a brief introductory overview of the W-Curve model of cross-cultural adaptation. This week, we need...

In the blog last week , we reviewed the final step in the U-Curve adaptation sequence known as the mastery phase. This week, we will...